Play Therapy in San Marcos, CA
For most of us, life can be hard and difficult to navigate. Life stressors can make you feel defeated and unable to be present. It’s important to talk about tough topics. People are hesitant to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and thoughts for fear of judgment when the reality is that we all are human and share similar negative thoughts and experiences. The more we are able to talk about it, the more we understand and can focus on supporting each other. We also experience loss, hopelessness, moments of feeling overwhelmed or lost. Let’s get better together where you feel safe and respected to do so. You deserve wellness!
For most of us, life can be hard and difficult to navigate. Life stressors can make you feel defeated and unable to be present. It’s important to talk about tough topics. People are hesitant to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and thoughts for fear of judgment when the reality is that we all are human and share similar negative thoughts and experiences. The more we are able to talk about it, the more we understand and can focus on supporting each other. We also experience loss, hopelessness, moments of feeling overwhelmed or lost. Let’s get better together where you feel safe and respected to do so. You deserve wellness!
I’m Dr. Melissa L. Mitchell, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist with 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. I provide counseling, parent coaching, ADHD and executive functioning evaluations, and comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to identify learning differences, attention challenges, and social-emotional needs. I work collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I am presently serving clients in PA, CT, and CA.
I’m Dr. Melissa L. Mitchell, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist with 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. I provide counseling, parent coaching, ADHD and executive functioning evaluations, and comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to identify learning differences, attention challenges, and social-emotional needs. I work collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I am presently serving clients in PA, CT, and CA.
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
You are here because you are hurting and want to heal. Healing is possible and you deserve love and acceptance for just being you- your full authentic self. I have been treating anxiety, depression, identity, codependency, eating disorders, low self esteem and relationships issues in children, teens and adults since 2007. My therapeutic style is often more directive, as I see myself as a part of your therapeutic process-not a quiet observer. I use a balance of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exploring how your childhood shaped your current thoughts and behaviors.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a compassionate heart and a dedicated spirit, I provide a safe and supportive environment for you to share your deepest thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of concern. With over 10 years in the field of psychotherapy, and earlier experience as a school counselor, I specialize in helping individuals of all ages overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in helping couples resolve their conflicts and learn to communicate lovingly and effectively, so as to model this behavior to their entire family.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a compassionate heart and a dedicated spirit, I provide a safe and supportive environment for you to share your deepest thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of concern. With over 10 years in the field of psychotherapy, and earlier experience as a school counselor, I specialize in helping individuals of all ages overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in helping couples resolve their conflicts and learn to communicate lovingly and effectively, so as to model this behavior to their entire family.
Hello, my name is Jessica and I specialize in working with all ages incorporating expressive arts, nature and yoga. Welcome to my practice!
I offer a warm, down-to-earth space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're moving through a tough season or simply seeking deeper connection with yourself, you're welcome here.
I'm passionate about helping children, adolescents and adults find restoration and balance. I provide individual, family and group therapy offered through telehealth for Illinois and California clients as well as telehealth, hybrid or indoor/outdoor studio sessions in San Marcos, California.
Hello, my name is Jessica and I specialize in working with all ages incorporating expressive arts, nature and yoga. Welcome to my practice!
I offer a warm, down-to-earth space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're moving through a tough season or simply seeking deeper connection with yourself, you're welcome here.
I'm passionate about helping children, adolescents and adults find restoration and balance. I provide individual, family and group therapy offered through telehealth for Illinois and California clients as well as telehealth, hybrid or indoor/outdoor studio sessions in San Marcos, California.
Therapeutic and Wellness Solution Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AMFT, CST
San Marcos, CA 92069
We offer in office play therapy for children and EMDR in office & online.
Do you find yourself thinking "I need to see a therapist." Then realize that you have been thinking this for months but haven't been able to make an appointment because you're just too busy and overwhelmed. Do you look at your spouse and think where did the spark go? Can you remember the last time that you were happy and enjoyed any aspect of your day? Or are you done with watching your child struggle with social skills, feelings of anxiety or accepting "no" as an answer. Then its time to give us a call and start making the improvements and changes you want in your life.
We offer in office play therapy for children and EMDR in office & online.
Do you find yourself thinking "I need to see a therapist." Then realize that you have been thinking this for months but haven't been able to make an appointment because you're just too busy and overwhelmed. Do you look at your spouse and think where did the spark go? Can you remember the last time that you were happy and enjoyed any aspect of your day? Or are you done with watching your child struggle with social skills, feelings of anxiety or accepting "no" as an answer. Then its time to give us a call and start making the improvements and changes you want in your life.
Everyone wants to MAKE THE MOST OF THE LIFE YOU HAVE... but often present-day distress interferes with our ability to experience a more fulfilling life. Whether you have been experiencing lingering distress from past hurts or current challenges, I am here to partner with you to restore your hope. Everyone needs strong encouragement during times of difficulty. I look forward to championing you to live your best life starting today!
Everyone wants to MAKE THE MOST OF THE LIFE YOU HAVE... but often present-day distress interferes with our ability to experience a more fulfilling life. Whether you have been experiencing lingering distress from past hurts or current challenges, I am here to partner with you to restore your hope. Everyone needs strong encouragement during times of difficulty. I look forward to championing you to live your best life starting today!
Hello! My name is Tracey, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's of Art in Community Counseling. During the past 11 years, I’ve worked with many populations, including abused and neglected youth, couples and families, and active duty service members and veterans. Over the years, I’ve also worked with hundreds of individuals to resolve anxiety, depression, suicidality, various forms of trauma, grief and loss, problematic sexual behavior in children and youth, domestic and family violence, and marital relationship concerns.
Hello! My name is Tracey, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's of Art in Community Counseling. During the past 11 years, I’ve worked with many populations, including abused and neglected youth, couples and families, and active duty service members and veterans. Over the years, I’ve also worked with hundreds of individuals to resolve anxiety, depression, suicidality, various forms of trauma, grief and loss, problematic sexual behavior in children and youth, domestic and family violence, and marital relationship concerns.
Hi! My name is Julia and I work with kids, teens, and women. With me, you gain a supportive partner in your journey to feel more confident, understood, and secure in yourself and the way you show up in the world. I encourage self-awareness/self-control, accountability, and the health of you and others, so you make decisions you're proud of and fulfilled in.
Hi! My name is Julia and I work with kids, teens, and women. With me, you gain a supportive partner in your journey to feel more confident, understood, and secure in yourself and the way you show up in the world. I encourage self-awareness/self-control, accountability, and the health of you and others, so you make decisions you're proud of and fulfilled in.
Integrative Mental Health: Accepting New Clients
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences that continue to impact their present. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure of their direction. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where they can slow down, better understand their patterns, and begin building the tools and confidence needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences that continue to impact their present. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure of their direction. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where they can slow down, better understand their patterns, and begin building the tools and confidence needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
Has life changed unexpectedly and left you questioning who you are and what direction you should go in? Was it the loss of a loved one? A work relocation? A realization that has made you question your goals? I am here to help my clients work through the challenging stages in their lives that they did not anticipate. I want to help you find your new direction, reduce anxiety, process trauma, and redefine yourself.
Has life changed unexpectedly and left you questioning who you are and what direction you should go in? Was it the loss of a loved one? A work relocation? A realization that has made you question your goals? I am here to help my clients work through the challenging stages in their lives that they did not anticipate. I want to help you find your new direction, reduce anxiety, process trauma, and redefine yourself.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
There are times in life when we reach a point in which positive change needs to occur. Perhaps you've been dealing with the same issue for a long time, or maybe new challenges have arisen that you need help navigating. If any of this applies to you or your child/teen, or if you're simply seeking to reach some desired goals, I hope that you will consider contacting me.
I am Heather MInshall. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost 20 years of experience. Additionally, I hold a doctorate in psychotherapy. My focus is to bring internal relief to the external stimulus as well as to bring recognition to the maladaptive patterns that have been created.
I am open to listening to everyone who is in need of finding the motivation to change old patterns. Learning how to communicate with ourselves, is the first step, learning how to communicate our needs with others is the next step. I also am skilled in working with couples and their communication struggles.
I am Heather MInshall. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost 20 years of experience. Additionally, I hold a doctorate in psychotherapy. My focus is to bring internal relief to the external stimulus as well as to bring recognition to the maladaptive patterns that have been created.
I am open to listening to everyone who is in need of finding the motivation to change old patterns. Learning how to communicate with ourselves, is the first step, learning how to communicate our needs with others is the next step. I also am skilled in working with couples and their communication struggles.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. As a bilingual (English and Spanish) provider, I pride myself on the power of connection through compassion and authenticity. Part of that sense of building support through community is what has shaped my personal and professional experience as a provider for the past nine years in San Diego County. Across those nine years, I have built experience working with children, families, and individuals from different backgrounds.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. As a bilingual (English and Spanish) provider, I pride myself on the power of connection through compassion and authenticity. Part of that sense of building support through community is what has shaped my personal and professional experience as a provider for the past nine years in San Diego County. Across those nine years, I have built experience working with children, families, and individuals from different backgrounds.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or emotionally drained lately? Life can be challenging, and carrying everything on your own can leave you feeling exhausted or unsure of what to do next. I work with children, teens, adults, and neurodiverse individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other challenges. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop greater self-awareness, and feel emotionally balanced in your daily life. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, find clarity, and grow with confidence.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or emotionally drained lately? Life can be challenging, and carrying everything on your own can leave you feeling exhausted or unsure of what to do next. I work with children, teens, adults, and neurodiverse individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other challenges. My goal is to help you build resilience, develop greater self-awareness, and feel emotionally balanced in your daily life. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, find clarity, and grow with confidence.
I am accepting new clients at our Temecula and San Marcos locations. I work with teens, parents, and individuals who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, stress, performance pressure, family conflict, or major life changes. If you or your child feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can be a place to slow down, feel understood, and begin making real progress.
My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. Together, we’ll build tools to manage stress, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create lasting resilience. I integrate ACT, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness,
I am accepting new clients at our Temecula and San Marcos locations. I work with teens, parents, and individuals who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, stress, performance pressure, family conflict, or major life changes. If you or your child feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can be a place to slow down, feel understood, and begin making real progress.
My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. Together, we’ll build tools to manage stress, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create lasting resilience. I integrate ACT, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness,
Are you tired of feeling stuck, lost, confused? Are you seeking more harmony in all areas of your life? Are you ready to feel empowered, excited, & energized about life? My passion is to lift you up, inspire you, motivate you to get you back on track with feeling good again. I love to help adolescents, teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and big life transitions. I support my clients in developing tools and skills to better manage the stressors they are facing and in building their confidence to handle the ups and downs that life will inevitably bring.
Are you tired of feeling stuck, lost, confused? Are you seeking more harmony in all areas of your life? Are you ready to feel empowered, excited, & energized about life? My passion is to lift you up, inspire you, motivate you to get you back on track with feeling good again. I love to help adolescents, teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and big life transitions. I support my clients in developing tools and skills to better manage the stressors they are facing and in building their confidence to handle the ups and downs that life will inevitably bring.
Are you worried about your child? Is he/she defiant/aggressive or avoidant? Sometimes parents feel something is wrong yet can’t pinpoint a specific problem. I have had great success in helping parents with these problems. When you feel like you have tried everything possible and don't know what to do next, it's time to call a professional. I can help restore harmony to your family!
Are you worried about your child? Is he/she defiant/aggressive or avoidant? Sometimes parents feel something is wrong yet can’t pinpoint a specific problem. I have had great success in helping parents with these problems. When you feel like you have tried everything possible and don't know what to do next, it's time to call a professional. I can help restore harmony to your family!
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor my goal is to assist individuals in reaching their personal fulfillment. I assist my clients in increasing positive outcomes in their everyday lives and help them reach a place of comfort within themselves.
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor my goal is to assist individuals in reaching their personal fulfillment. I assist my clients in increasing positive outcomes in their everyday lives and help them reach a place of comfort within themselves.
See more therapy options for San Marcos
Nearby Play Therapy Searches for San Marcos
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
- Vista
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.